[Tallahassee, FL] In what pretty much everybody is calling a surprise, earlier today Gov. Rick Scott appointed John M. Martinez – the son of former U.S. Senator/Orange County Mayor Mel Martinez – as Orange County Commissioner for District 3.

“John’s leadership ability is evident through his professional service and his broad community involvement,” said Scott. “I am confident he will bring the highest levels of integrity and ethics to the commission.”

Martinez, who will be the D3 Commissioner for less than a year, is replacing current temp Lui Damiani. Damiami was appointed by then-Gov. Charlie Crist to fill the vacancy left when Commissioner Mildred Fernandez found herself in hot water – and on video tape – taking bribes for official duties.

Damiani’s appointment was controversial as Fernandez was the only Hispanic on the Orange County Commission – and Damiani was not, as was repeatedly pointed out by the local Hispanic population. Martinez’s appointment should appease Orange County’s large and ever-growing (nearly 40%) Hispanic population, who now has a seat (albeit only one) at the seven-seat table (six commissioners and the county mayor).

And speaking of Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacobs (also a Republican), she weighed-in, saying that she supported, “Gov. Scott’s choice of John Martinez who has agreed not to seek election during the 2012 cycle. This demonstrates the Governor’s commitment to responsible leadership while ensuring a fair and level playing field in this upcoming election.”

But not everyone is pleased with Gov. Rick Scott‘s appointment. The Black, Latino and Puerto Rican Alliance for Justice called the naming of Martinez to the position “insulting.”

Photo: White House photo

Mel Martinez in the White House with President George W. Bush

“The organized Republican Cuban Political Machine which has so often pretended to speak for Puerto Ricans and Latinos got its biggest payoff to date with the appointment today of John Melquiades Martinez to the office of County Commissioner for District 3,” said the group’s statement. “He does not live in the District and has never been active. The Governor, a dedicated Republican who appears ignorant of Orange’s true Hispanic community, sought an “Hispanic” figure to pump up his popularity.”

The group points out that Puerto Ricans – the single largest segment of Orange County’s Hispanic Community at 140,000 strong – are not truly represented by the “inexperienced” nominee to the post. They say that Cuban Republicans, who make up less than 5% of the population, “cannot speak for 308,344 Hispanics” in Orange County.

Martinez, 30, will not seek re-election as part as the deal reached with Scott. He is appointed for a term beginning today and ending Nov. 19, 2012.

Martinez, an Orlando lawyer, has been the VP of Gardnyr Michael Capital Inc. since 2010. Curiously, Gardnyr Michael Capital helps municipalities – such as counties – obtain financing for various projects.

From 2006-2010, Martinez worked for Lowndes, Drosdick, Doster, Kantor and Reed P.A. as an associate attorney. He secured his law degree from Florida State University.

“I am humbled and honored to be selected by Governor Scott to serve Orange County and District 3,” said new Commissioner Martinez. “As a native to Orange County, this is a unique and special opportunity to give back to a community where I have lived and worked my whole life. I am eager to get to work as an advocate for the residents of this district.”

By: Mark Christopher/Sunshine Slate

Lead image: Gov. Rick Scott‘s office

Rick Scott